The United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) has announced plans to support to development in West Pokot.
DFID leader Ben Fisher and Joseph Akure revealed the plans during a two-day tour of assessing the progress of World Bank-funded projects in West Pokot County. He was accompanied by West Pokot Governor, John Lonyangapuo, together with the County Executive Committee (CEC) members who assessed various developments projects that will help the residents enjoy sustainable development, social equity, innovative solutions, community resilience, and change in the region.
The projects included the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Kapenguria County Referral the Hospital, 33 farm groups projects at Siyoi Ward being supported through Kenya Climate-Smart Project (KCSP). The Kenya Climate-Smart Project (KCSP) has been able to transform livelihood in the regions with 1570 goats having been distributed to 157 vulnerable households in seven Wards of Kiwawaa, Kapchok, Kodich, Riwo, Masol, Lomut, and Sekker.
Boost in livelihood
In collaboration with the World Bank and the National Government, Sh 15million has been used for the renovation the Kapenguria County Referral Hospital. The money was used in facilitating services in various department including reproductive maternal health, immunization of children, skilled birth attendance, family planning, antenatal care, good internet connectivity, and employment of more medical staff and subordinate unlike before when it faced myriad challenges affecting its performance.
Fisher and Akure also took a tour of Kapenguria town where several roads and streets were tarmacked under the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) and also assessed the construction of market stalls.
“The residents now enjoy the additional employment opportunities, industrial diversification, business retention, and expansion, economy fortification, increased revenue collection improved livelihoods among the residents unlike before”, said the Lonyangapuo.
DFID and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development office assured West Pokot residents of the United Kingdom’s support in the development projects that have the great capacity to affect lives and changing livelihoods at the grassroots level.
